Regarding "It's time to take it easier" (Page B14, Sunday), Daniel Hamermesh describes the perfect feel-good recipe for mediocrity.

Why in the world should we aspire to be more like the French with their socialistic tendencies, ongoing demand for a shorter work week, their tax-the-rich mentality and generally noncompetitive economy?

The same can be said for many European countries, made clear by the continent's continuing economic struggles with debt and other problems. The U.S. capitalistic economy is far from perfect, with improvement needed in many areas, but it's been proven to be by far the strongest economic model in world history.

I've always thought that the criticism of ideas and philosophies being taught on many college campuses as exceedingly liberal and socialistic were overblown, but in this case they appear to be right on target, and it hits too close to home for me as two of my kids are recent UT graduates. My overall question to Hamermesh and all those who criticize capitalism is: If your ideas are implemented, who or what do you believe will pay the bills? I'm sure his answer is, as always, the rich.

With policies like his, there are few incentives to work hard, which means fewer rich people, which means fewer people to subsidize those who want to work less. It would quickly become a hopeless downward spiral for our country.

Brian Smith, Spring

Stay competitive

I agree that we sometimes live with distorted work/life balance. However, trying to reduce working hours by taxing the very well-off is also distorted.

How will taxing the rich provide incentives for "workaholic managers" to reduce workers' hours? They will still work harder to rise above their competitors (individuals and other companies). They may even be driven to more hours to make up for the loss of income from the additional taxes. Motivated people will still be motivated people.

Rather than blaming the very well-off, we should focus on U.S./global competition and economics as key drivers for our working behaviors. People are working harder to stay competitive for college admissions and fewer U.S. jobs.

Also, to stay competitive and reduce jobs from moving overseas, the U.S. is working harder to become more productive and efficient, which includes longer hours.

With better productivity, the U.S. unemployment rate is lower than 10 of 14 key European nations, with 6.2 percent in the U.S. versus 10.6 percent average unemployment for European Union.

So, let's focus on the real issues and real solutions, rather than offering more taxes on the rich as the solution to every problem.